Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has had a vast impact on every aspect of biological science. From medicine to ecology to agriculture, evolution is central to scientists’ understanding of how organisms adapt and change over time. In celebration of the 200th year since the birth of Charles Darwin, the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is offering a series of adult seminars focusing on Darwin’s theory, how it is understood and misunderstood, and how it is used by scientists today.

“In Discussion with Darwin” will be small-group seminars of no more than 25 participants conducted by various University of Oklahoma professors. Selected readings will be provided in advance of each workshop that will be the foundation for the evening’s discussion. No prior knowledge of the discussion topics is necessary, but participants must pre-register for each session separately. The cost is $10 per session for museum members, $15 per session for non-members. To register, or for more information, call the museum’s education department at (405) 325-4712. A full listing of seminars is below.

7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 “Difficulties on Theory,” taught by Piers J. Hale, of the OU history of science department. Darwin anticipated that there might be many objections raised against his theory of evolution by natural selection. In this seminar participants will read and discuss both natural selection as Darwin described it and his answers to some anticipated problems.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22
"Has Macroevolution Been Misunderestimated?" Rich Broughton, OU department of zoology
This seminar discussion will focus on the lack of a fundamental difference between micro- and macroevolution (as the terms are commonly used). It will use molecular data to examine the basis of taxonomic groups and explore examples of evolutionary divergence in nature.

7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 “Darwin’s Different Flowers,” Phil Gibson, OU department of botany and microbiology, department of zoology
While Darwin receives much attention for his work on animals, he was equally influential in the botanical world. This seminar will discuss Darwin’s book On the Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species in which he applies his model of evolution by natural selection to investigate why some plants produce two or more types of flowers.

7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 “The Origin of Sexual Selection,” Ingo Schlupp, OU department of zoology
Why do males often have elaborate traits that make them attractive for females, but are detrimental to survival? Why are females typically coy and males competitive for females? Charles Darwin proposed the theory of sexual selection as an answer to these questions. In our meeting we shall discuss this idea, its history and some aspects of modern research on this topic.

7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 “Beyond Darwin: How Evo-Devo Research Offers Stunning Confirmation of Darwin's View of Complexity,” Ola Fincke, OU department of zoology
Darwin postulated that complexity evolved via natural selection from less complex parts. Armed with a battery of new genetic tools, researchers are in the process of confirming that Darwin's view of complexity was basically correct. In this session we will discuss the radical and surprising insights that “Evo-Devo” research offers for macroevolution.

“In Discussion with Darwin” is part of a yearlong, campuswide celebration that includes seminars, lectures and exhibitions. For more information about Darwin events at OU, visit www.ou.edu/darwin/Site/Home.html.
The Sam Noble Museum is located on the OU Norman campus at Timberdell Road and Chautauqua Avenue. For more information, call (405) 325-4712, or visit the museum’s Web site at www.snomnh.ou.edu.